Episode 2- July 2020

BayState Tri Team- July Blog

Jack Wagon's $.02:

Here we are, knee deep in another summer month of training.. but without races.  Usually, we would be ramping up for Whaling City, Sharon and other events, doing "roll calls" on Facebook, and getting the coolers and snacks ready for post race chillin'.  This year, the calendar is filled with more "cross-outs" than PR's, but we have to shift gears and stay focused.  The focus may have changed- maybe in stead of trying to crush your running goal, you are trying to be consistent on weight training or stretching.. or maybe you are just treading water, (no pun intended) trying to balance working from home, and home schooling the kids.  I asked the board to collectively reflect on how they "Stay Sharp During Peak Season and Keep Your Head in the GAME."  

My thought?  

Pretty much summed up in this short video. 

So what if there's no races.  

So what if we don't get the chance to add to our medal wall.  

We keep going. 

We TAKE ANOTHER LAP.  CLICK ME

Here are your super cool Board's thoughts...

Kevin's (Bike) Barnyard:  

We are receiving 2021 bikes daily. It is time for Bikebarn to start making room for the new 2021 Cervelo Tri bikes. Email me if you are interested in a "BSTT you can't refuse it price".  kevin@bikebarnracing.com

 

P3X Ultegra Di2 Large

P-Series Disc Ultegra 56

P-Series Disc 105 58

P3 Ultegra 54

P3 Ultegra 51

Darcey's Roost:

Darcey's Top Ten ways to keep your head in the game:

Before my list, let's get one thing straightened out right now.  2020 is over!  I'm past 2020 and stressing out about 2021 now.  Dude! The rose bowl parade has already been cancelled, halloween candy is in the stores and for what? Is this a mean joke?  At least people can't recognize me and hear half the things I mumble under my chicken mask...  Scratch that, I don't really wear a chicken mask...  

It started out with, sweet - don't have to go in the office for 2 weeks!  Then it changed to - uh, this is gonna be a heck of a lot longer than 2 weeks!  We moved through the disbelief, house hoarders, swung through some Ron Burgundy, (signing, "don't touch my computer", then in an instant screaming, "LEAVE ME ALONE!!!!"), a little guilt, then anger, then back to guilt, to basically belting out Frank Sinatra, "That's Life!".  I get it, 2020 is a rip off, but might as well enjoy the slower pace, hopefully saving some money and getting much more rest than we ever could have imagined.  So here goes!

1. Focus on the right things in life and ignore all the dumb shit
2. Stay off amazon and just get outside.  Do you really need all that expensive stuff anyway?
3. Get up early and get it done.  You'll just worry when you'll fit it in otherwise
4. Take more nutrition than you'll think you'll need.  It's hot out there!
5. Always keep money and a mask in your pocket for pastries during your ride
6. Pack the night before if you're going out for a long day.  You'll forget something if you don't
7. Coordinate it so you run by an ocean, lake or pond and stop for a moment to take it all in
8. Do us all a favor and come home safe, don't be a dope and swim alone
9. Not every workout has to be a hammer and not every workout is going to be your best effort.  But you're healthy and breathing, so might as well enjoy the view and the company once in a while
10. Eat pizza, have some cake, drink something fun and spend as much time with chickens as possible.  You deserve it!

Sue's Cues: 

Hi Baystaters, we all know nutrition is a key component when training, racing recovering and everday life. With the warmer weather comes an abundance of local yummies such as fresh local fish, Blueberries and vegetables. Creating a small raised bed garden is a great way to have the freshest  vegetables around at a very reasonable price. You can also take advantage of roadside stands, local fish markets and pick your own farms. Not only are you getting the benefit of the freshest foods available but you’re helping the local farmer stay in business.  Either way, your family will benefit and your health will benefit, Enjoy!

Hilary's Corner: 

“Without struggle success has no value” –Buddha

As all of us know this year has been an incredible struggle, our daily lives changed in what felt like overnight, and a sport that has been a huge part of our lives put on pause. What’s a triathlete to do? Not sure if there will be races do you keep training? Virtual race? 

    For me personally I was initially so disappointed after many injuries! I was feeling good and excited for the 2020 season. Once I got over my pity party I began to reflect on the 10 years I have been in the sport of triathlon, and began to wonder how I wanted to approach the next decade of racing.

I am a Tennis professional so every day on a tennis court my body is under stress, when I had time to step back and give my body a break I had enormous appreciation for what my body does for me everyday. Tennis, running, cycling etc and felt enormous gratitude for it. I realized that the frustration I felt when I was injured or not the “right” size, the disappointment I felt when it didn’t perform the way I wanted was not how I wanted to continue. 

     I decided to focus on the areas I knew would help keep me injury free and take some training stress off my body. For me the best decision for 2020 was to focus on strength and flexibility, I have devoted time to it daily and kept running and biking easy and short. I hope to build on this base and gradually ease back into training for 2021. For all of us this is our lifestyle and just as we are all individuals our journeys are unique too.

I look forward to whenever I race again with my amazing teammates and will continue to thank my body everyday for the gift of health and fitness.

Amy's Thoughts:

Hey Tri Peeps, Amy here. Hope everyone is well and enjoying some summertime fun. Peak off season can be tough. Honestly what keeps me going is accountability. Signing up for a class at Cycle Life or planning a training run with a friend keeps me moving forward. Also, having a weekly training schedule helps me stay on track. Feel free to pm me if you need an accountability partner and I’d be happy to help. Happy training! 

Sweeney's Stuff:

Keeping sharp and maintaining fitness can be tough when we are all trying to stay distant and safe. I enjoy riding with small groups while maintaining social distance at the same time. Stay tuned for some short distance runs that I will try to create in the near future. I've seen some great virtual races for those of us that can't be out there but want that rush of excitement, including virtual triathlons. Let's continue to do our part in staying safe and following the recommended practices. Hope to see you all soon. 

Roth's Blog:

Hello Bay State team members. We all need to realize that there are no rules for this season because our season is so up in the air and to be honest will probably not happen.  Triathletes are in general Type “A”, (guilty as charged) and we thrive on the training, data, and competition, etc.  So what are we to do?  Well, we need to first be OK with our situation and as they say make “lemonade out of lemons”.  For me I’ve decided to keep with coaching.  This is a way to keep fit and fitness but more importantly it provides a routine and structure in our world that is turned upside down.

    I realized that we need to create our own rules and a “COVID Season”, which will look different for everyone.  Since large groups are discouraged and some of you may not be comfortable with large groups, I recommend that you reach out to some of the teammates.  Call it your core group that you share common interest/established bonds/similar training schedule/activity level and plan different events/outings and then be flexible and strive to add a new person or two as a way to broaden the circle. 

    These events/outings do not necessarily need to be triathlon related.  Some of the following events/outings I am involved with or are being planned or ideas that have been thrown out by numerous people I’ve talked to or I’ve seen on the BSTT Facebook page are: Century Bike ride, Camping trips, Bike around Martha’s Vineyard, do your own P2P, Hike to the top of Mt. Washington (or any Mt. for that matter), Bike the Kancamagus Highway, do a self-supported Tri, create a swim group (i.e. Morton Pond Group), paddelboarding, weekly bike rides.  The ideas are endless.  I encourage everyone to create your own event/outing and then seek out some your teammates to participate.  And enjoy the summer and be flexible.

Shannon's Wrap Up:

Smile.  Stay smart.  Turn your challenges into an adventure! 🤙

On the Calendar:

• On Sunday, July 26th, at 7AM, we are holding a mini-training day at the location of the Sharon Triathlon. The event is on Facebook (private event for team on BSTT Facebook page), but if you don't do Facebook, here are the details: Another team mock Tri in another favorite location because the first two were so fun!! Lake Massapoag swim. 15 mile bike loop all right turns and a 4.4 mile run around the Lake. For fun! And camaraderie! And to stay fit and healthy! Planning a 7am meeting in HS parking lot as “transition”. Open to Saturday or Sunday as weather permits. Socially distancing, peeps!
• From Deb, regarding VIRTUAL RACING!  Hi teammates. If you're looking to race virtually QT2 and The Run Formula has you covered. Options are Triathlon or bike/run, or just run. You need a Zwift account to bike. And it's free to all! Next up is a sprint on 8/8. Check it out. https://www.qt2systems.com/virtual-racing/ https://www.therunformula.com/fall-running-series/
• Every Tuesday, our own Jim Dandeneau holds a great weekly speed workout at Cushman Park in Fairhaven. They start with a nice, easy warm up, and then the workout- all abilities are there and welcome! 5:30 start. Socially distancing, please and thank you!
• Mark Walter has an event through the Barn to Run stuff for the month of August- it's a choose your distance running event- check out the details here: DEETS

• Need a goal and want to have some fun tracking your progress against it and then get some cool swag for achieving it? Take on the Barn to Run Summer Challenge!  This virtual running challenge offers 4 distances to choose from - 26.2 miles, 50 miles, 100 miles or 200 miles - where you get to choose where (trail or road... near or far) and when you run as long as you complete the challenge between the dates of August 1st and August 31st. Log your miles after each run and you'll track your progress along a pre-designed "route art" course that draws a horse (26.2 miles), a chicken (50 miles), a goat (100 miles) or a pig (200 miles)! And then when you're done we'll mail you your swag... the longer you run, the more swag you receive!